Getting winter ready

As the temperature starts to drop, we all start to feel the costly pinch around this time of year with increased energy usage and extra spending. We’re here to support you where we can.

Our money support team can help you make the most out of your money. They can provide advice from budgeting and benefits to insurance and energy advice.

Community pantry and hot meals

The Bread and Butter Thing offer food clubs into the heart of communities. It’s really easy to join, there’s no fee, no contract, you can use the service as and when you need it. The service is available in Darlington, Hartlepool, County Durham and Stockton.

Bright Futures Ferryhill CIC
Located within Ferryhill Sport and Education Centre, this community pantry offers a selection of staple food parcels (Five cupboard items, five snacks, and fresh fruit and vegetables) for £5. You can also select fridge and cleaning parcels. Prices start from £5, and you'll need to pay £1 for a lifetime membership.

Local supermarkets
Your local supermarkets are a great place for deals on warm meals in their cafes. Some supermarkets and restaurants also offer “kids eat free” or reduced cost meals for people aged 60 and over.

Food banks
These are designed to provide short-term, emergency food support during a crisis. If you need help buying food, contact our money advisers, who can arrange for you to receive a three-day energy supply of nutritionally balanced food. You can find details of local food banks here: 

Darlington Foodbanks

Hartlepool Foodbanks

County Durham Foodbanks

Billingham & Stockton Foodbanks

Request support

Winter fuel payment

If you were born before 22 September 1959 you could receive between £100 and £300 to help with your heating bills.  You will receive the payment automatically.  If you meet the qualifying criteria you should have received confirmation of this.  To be eligible you must  been born before 22 September 1959.

Winter fuel

Warm Home Discount

If you are in receipt of Pension Credit or live in a low income household you may be eligible for the Warm Home Discount. This is a one off £150 discount off your electricity bill, and you will receive it automatically.

Warm home discount

Cold Weather Payment

If you receive any of the following benefits you could be eligible for a cold weather payment:

  • Pension Credit
  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Universal Credit
  • Support for Mortgage Interest

You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.

You’ll get £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026.

Cold weather payment

Help with your heating bills

Average energy bills will rise by 0.2% on 1 January 2026.

Energy prices rose by 10% from 1 October, but you shouldn’t be scared of keeping yourself warm during the colder months.

Moneysavingexpert.com have shared their top tips to ‘heat the human, not the home’. Take a look at some useful hints and tips on staying warm during the colder weather. 

Your energy supplier
Your supplier is obliged to help you if you are struggling to pay your bills.They will discuss repayment options with you and may be able to access hardship funds on your behalf. You can find your energy supplier using the button below.

MoneySavingExpert Find energy supplier

Tips to stay warm and well

Set a comfortable thermostat temperature

If you can, keep your thermostat at the lowest comfortable temperature, recommended between 18°C and 21°C.

Adjust radiator valves

Try turning them up in rooms you use often and down in those you don’t.

Lower the flow temperature on combi boilers

Reducing this can improve efficiency.

Use heating timers

Set central heating timers so it only comes on when you need it.

Take regular meter readings

This keeps bills accurate.

Annual heating service

The service ensures your heating system runs efficiently.

Your curtains

Open curtains during the day to let in warmth and close at night to retain heat.

Wash clothes at a lower temperature

This can save energy.

Keep radiators clear

Moving furniture away to help heat circulate.

Ensure ventilation

It’s important to keep your home well ventilated, so try not to block vents, windows or extractor fans.

You can also find helpful information available on the GOV.uk website.

GOV.uk